ANSI/BICSI 008-2018

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

Systems Design and Implementation
Best Practices

DEMONSTRATION VERSION
NOT FOR RESALE

Committee Approval: November 2017

ANSI Final Action: December 4, 2017
First Published: December 2017

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE ....................................................................................................................... ix
1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.3 Categories of Criteria..................................................................................................................................... 1

2 Scope ........................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Systems ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
2.2 Limitations ...................................................................................................................................................... 3

3 Required Standards and Documents ............................................................................ 5

4 Definitions, Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Units of Measurement ............................ 7
4.1 Definitions ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................... 10
4.3 Units of Measurement .................................................................................................................................. 10

5 Regulatory and Safety.................................................................................................. 11

5.1 Local Code Requirements............................................................................................................................ 11
5.2 Spectrum Allocations ................................................................................................................................... 11
5.2.1 ITU Spectrum Allocation ......................................................................................................................... 11
5.2.2 National .................................................................................................................................................... 12
5.3 Safety ............................................................................................................................................................. 12
5.4 Requirements ................................................................................................................................................ 12

6 Wireless LAN Systems ................................................................................................. 13

6.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 13
6.2 WLAN Protocols .......................................................................................................................................... 13
6.3 WLAN Components ..................................................................................................................................... 14
6.3.1 Wireless Controller ................................................................................................................................... 14
6.3.2 Access Points ............................................................................................................................................ 15
6.3.3 Wireless LAN Interface Card ................................................................................................................... 15
6.4 Design Process .............................................................................................................................................. 16
6.4.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 16
6.4.2 Determine Requirements .......................................................................................................................... 16
6.4.3 High Level Design .................................................................................................................................... 17
6.4.4 Site Survey................................................................................................................................................ 17
6.4.5 Detailed Design (Low Level Design) ....................................................................................................... 20
6.4.6 Design Reports and Documents................................................................................................................ 20
6.4.7 Installation ................................................................................................................................................ 21
6.4.8 Validation Site Survey .............................................................................................................................. 21
6.4.9 Finalization ............................................................................................................................................... 24
6.5 WLAN Personnel.......................................................................................................................................... 24
6.5.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 24
6.5.2 Customer................................................................................................................................................... 25
6.5.3 Sales Person .............................................................................................................................................. 25

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6.5.4 Wireless Designer ..................................................................................................................................... 25

6.5.5 Wireless Technical Specialist ................................................................................................................... 26
6.5.6 Cabling Installer ........................................................................................................................................ 26
6.5.7 Wireless Installer ...................................................................................................................................... 26
6.5.8 Wireless Auditor ....................................................................................................................................... 26
6.5.9 Wireless Support ....................................................................................................................................... 27
6.5.10 Wireless Certifications for Personnel ....................................................................................................... 27
6.6 Customer Requirements Analysis ............................................................................................................... 27
6.6.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 27
6.7 WLAN Frequency and Channels ................................................................................................................ 28
6.7.1 Theory of Operation .................................................................................................................................. 28
6.7.2 Important Topics ....................................................................................................................................... 29
6.7.3 Radio Bands used by Wi-Fi ...................................................................................................................... 30
6.7.4 Recommendations for WLAN Designers ................................................................................................. 32
6.8 AP Density ..................................................................................................................................................... 32
6.8.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 32
6.8.2 Capacity Based ......................................................................................................................................... 32
6.8.3 Coverage Based ........................................................................................................................................ 33

7 WLAN Cabling Infrastructure Design ......................................................................... 35

7.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................ 35
7.2 Topology ........................................................................................................................................................ 35
7.2.1 Requirements ............................................................................................................................................ 35
7.3 Spaces ............................................................................................................................................................ 35
7.3.2 General Requirements ............................................................................................................................... 35
7.4 Cabling Pathways ......................................................................................................................................... 35
7.4.1 Overview................................................................................................................................................... 35
7.4.2 Requirements ............................................................................................................................................ 35
7.4.3 Recommendations ..................................................................................................................................... 36
7.4.4 Pathway Separation from Power and EMI Sources .................................................................................. 36
7.4.5 Pathway Bonding and Grounding ............................................................................................................. 36
7.5 Cabling .......................................................................................................................................................... 36
7.5.1 Backbone Cabling ..................................................................................................................................... 36
7.5.2 Horizontal Cabling .................................................................................................................................... 36
7.6 Horizontal Connection Point (HCP) ........................................................................................................... 38
7.6.1 Overview................................................................................................................................................... 38
7.6.2 Requirements ............................................................................................................................................ 38
7.7 Outlets and Connectors ................................................................................................................................ 39
7.7.1 Overview................................................................................................................................................... 39
7.7.2 Requirements ............................................................................................................................................ 39
7.7.3 Recommendations ..................................................................................................................................... 39
7.8 Direct Connections ....................................................................................................................................... 40
7.8.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 40
7.8.2 Recommendations ..................................................................................................................................... 40
7.9 Bonding and Grounding Considerations .................................................................................................... 40
7.9.1 Requirements ............................................................................................................................................ 40
7.10 Administration .............................................................................................................................................. 40
7.10.1 Requirements ............................................................................................................................................ 40
7.10.2 Recommendations ..................................................................................................................................... 41
7.11 Zone Cabling ................................................................................................................................................. 41
7.11.1 Overview................................................................................................................................................... 41
7.11.2 Service Outlet Coverage Area Configurations .......................................................................................... 41
7.11.3 Service Outlet Coverage Area Zones ........................................................................................................ 42

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7.11.4 Device Density ......................................................................................................................................... 42

7.11.5 Horizontal Connection Points ................................................................................................................... 43
7.11.6 Device Connections .................................................................................................................................. 43
7.12 Power over Ethernet (PoE) .......................................................................................................................... 44
7.12.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 44
7.12.2 PoE Cabling .............................................................................................................................................. 44
7.12.3 Power Injectors ......................................................................................................................................... 44
7.13 Supporting 2.5GBASE-T and 5GBASE-T ................................................................................................. 44
7.13.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 45
7.13.2 Requirements ............................................................................................................................................ 45
7.13.3 Recommendations .................................................................................................................................... 45

8 Wireless System Implementation ................................................................................ 47

8.1 Cabling Installation Requirements ............................................................................................................. 47
8.1.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 47
8.1.2 Bonding and Grounding Considerations................................................................................................... 47
8.1.3 Transmission Performance Field Testing ................................................................................................. 47
8.2 WLAN Implementation and Management................................................................................................. 49
8.2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 49
8.2.2 Documentation ......................................................................................................................................... 49
8.2.3 System Testing and Inspection ................................................................................................................. 49
8.2.4 System Revisions and Maintenance ......................................................................................................... 49

9 Site and Functional Considerations ............................................................................ 51

9.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 51
9.2 Healthcare Facilities ..................................................................................................................................... 51
9.2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 51
9.2.2 Design Considerations (Healthcare Facility Wireless) ............................................................................. 51
9.2.3 Design ....................................................................................................................................................... 51
9.2.4 Teams ....................................................................................................................................................... 52
9.2.5 Unique Challenges .................................................................................................................................... 52
9.3 Educational Facilities ................................................................................................................................... 52
9.3.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 52
9.3.2 Elementary and Secondary Schools .......................................................................................................... 52
9.3.3 School Administration Entities ................................................................................................................. 53
9.3.4 Colleges and Universities ......................................................................................................................... 53
9.4 Facilities for Vehicle Parking ...................................................................................................................... 53
9.4.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 53
9.4.2 Stand-Alone or Attached Parking Structure Construction ........................................................................ 54
9.4.3 Parking Facilities Integrated Into Structures............................................................................................. 54
9.4.4 Parking Structure and Parking Facilities Construction Specifics ............................................................. 54
9.4.5 External Concerns..................................................................................................................................... 55
9.4.6 Wireless Traffic Demand .......................................................................................................................... 55
9.5 RF-Free Zones .............................................................................................................................................. 55

Appendix A Wireless Personal and Body Area Networks (PANs and BANs) ................. 57
A.1 Infrared 802.11 IR ........................................................................................................................................ 57
A.2 Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) 802.15..................................................................................... 57
A.3 Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) 802.15.6 ....................................................................................... 59

Appendix B Related Documents (Informative) .................................................................. 61

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INDEX OF FIGURES

Section 5 Regulatory and Safety

Figure 5-1 International Telecommunication Union Regions......................................................................... 11

Section 6 Wireless LAN Systems

Figure 6-1 Example of a WLAN .................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 6-2 WLAN Design/Deployment Cycle ............................................................................................... 16
Figure 6-3 Heatmap Showing Overall Coverage of 3 APs ............................................................................. 22
Figure 6-4 Heatmap Showing Channel Overlap of 3 APs .............................................................................. 23
Figure 6-5 WLAN Personnel .......................................................................................................................... 25

Section 7 WLAN Cabling Infrastructure Design

Figure 7-1 Hierarchical Star Topology ........................................................................................................... 35
Figure 7-2 Horizontal Cabling within Star Topology ..................................................................................... 37
Figure 7-3 Types of Outlets Within a Building .............................................................................................. 39
Figure 7-4 Example of Facility Connections Using a Direct Connect Method .............................................. 40
Figure 7-5 Example of Square and Hexagonal Service Outlet Coverage Area Patterns with Circular Device
Coverage Areas Shown ................................................................................................................. 42
Figure 7-6 Example of Square and Hexagonal Pattern Coverage Area Zones for Service Outlets ................ 43

Section 8 Wireless System Implementation

Figure 8-1 Configuration 1: Single Connector Modified Permanent Link Set Up for Direct Connect
Without a HCP .............................................................................................................................. 48
Figure 8-2 Configuration 2: Single Connector Modified Permanent Link Set Up for Direct Connect to
a Service Outlet With a HCP......................................................................................................... 48

INDEX OF TABLES

Section 6 Wireless LAN Systems

Table 6-1 IEEE 802.11 Protocols Used Within WLANs .............................................................................. 14
Table 6-2 Recommended RSSI Values by Service Level ............................................................................. 34

Section 7 WLAN Cabling Infrastructure Design

Table 7-1 Data and Power Transmission Methods ........................................................................................ 44
Table 7-2 Balanced Twisted-Pair Cabling Media for 2.5GBASE-T and 5GBASE-T ................................... 45

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PREFACE

Revision History

December 20, 2017 First publication of this standard, titled ANSI/BICSI 008-2018, Wireless Local Area Network
(WLAN) Systems Design and Implementation Best Practices

Translation Notice

This standard may have one or more translations available for the convenience of its readers. As translated text may
contain inconsistencies when compared to the original text, if differences between the translation and the published
English version exist, the English text shall be used as the official and authoritative version.

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1 Introduction

1.1 General
In-building and campus wireless local area networks (WLANs) are a relatively mature technology, having existed in
some form for approximately three decades. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the
Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) radio bands for unlicensed use in 1985. The Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE) began work on the first version with a working group meeting on September 10, 1990.
The first IEEE 802.11 standard was released in June 1997. Since then, a multitude of standards have been developed
in the 802.11 family, enhancing the speed, adding features, capabilities and frequency bands and changing the
estimated range.
All these standards, however, apply only to the protocols to be used in these networks, impacting equipment design
and manufacturing. Throughout all this time, no vendor-neutral standard has been developed concerning the design,
implementation or management of an overall WLAN system.
For most of these decades, WLAN system implementers were able to install workable systems without much real
design effort, since the fundamental capabilities of the technology far exceeded the systems’. This allowed them to
essentially install for coverage only; meaning putting up some nodes, then walk around monitoring the signal
strength bars on a laptop.
However, during the last decade or so, the demand for high speed, reliable WLAN access has grown
overwhelmingly. Businesses are increasingly using WLANs as an enhancement to, or replacement for, wireline
networks. Commercial wireless carriers are actively encouraging their customers to use public and private WLANs
instead of the cellular networks. Some non-traditional devices, such as televisions, appliances and vehicles, are
coming equipped with WLAN capability.
High speed, reliable WLAN coverage has become so ubiquitous in business, commercial and governmental facilities;
their surrounding areas; and increasingly in private homes; that it is now simply expected. The public has come to
assume WLAN coverage for their handheld devices will be available practically everywhere they go. Failure to
provide coverage in commercial operations, such as restaurants and stores, can be a detriment to business.
This explosion in demand; multiple orders of magnitude increases in data rates; and systems increasingly crowding
each other; is pushing the limits of the technology. Systems must now be carefully designed and implemented by
highly knowledgeable personnel using the latest test equipment to ensure a fully operational system that does not
interfere with other networks.
1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this standard is to afford designers, installers and managers an opportunity to enhance their
knowledge of quality Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) systems, understand the requirements of superior
performing systems and offer recommendations for the design, installation and management of standards-compliant,
vendor-neutral systems.
1.3 Categories of Criteria
Two categories of criteria are specified - mandatory and advisory.
• Mandatory criteria generally apply to protection, performance, administration, and compatibility; they
specify the absolute minimum acceptable requirements.
• Advisory or desirable criteria are presented when their attainment will enhance the general performance of
the WLAN system infrastructure in all its contemplated applications.
Mandatory requirements are designated by the word shall; advisory recommendations are designated by the words
should, may, or desirable, which are used interchangeably in this standard. When possible, recommendations and
requirements were separated to aid in clarity.

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2 Scope

2.1 Systems
This document describes industry- and service provider-neutral standards and acceptable best practices for the design
and installation of in-building and campus wireless local area networks (WLANs).
Where appropriate, the document discusses other wireless systems used in local, personal and body area networks
(LANs, PANs, BANs), which use technologies such as Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID), ZigBee, and
infrared transmission. However, the detailed design, installation, configuration and administration of these smaller
systems are not included.
2.2 Limitations
This document does not include details concerning the design and installation of distributed antenna systems (DAS),
as these are provided within ANSI/BICSI 006. Some discussion may be included on DAS where these systems
interrelate with other WLAN systems.
In addition, this document does not include details concerning the programming or configuration of servers, routers,
access points or other electronic devices in the system.

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3 Required Standards and Documents

The following standards and documents contain provisions that constitute requirements listed within this standard.
Unless otherwise indicated, all standards and documents listed are the latest published version prior to the initial
publication of this standard. Parties to agreement based on this standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility
of applying a more recent version as applicable.
Where equivalent local codes and standards exist, requirements from these local specifications shall apply. Where
reference is made to a requirement that exceeds minimum code requirements, the specification requirement shall take
precedence over any apparent conflict with applicable codes.

BICSI
• ANSI/BICSI 003, Building Information Modeling (BIM) Practices for Information Technology Systems
• ANSI/BICSI N2, Practices for The Installation of Telecommunications and ICT Cabling Intended to
Support Remote Power Applications
• ANSI/NECA/BICSI 607, Telecommunications Bonding and Grounding Planning and Installation Methods
for Commercial Buildings

British Standards Institution (BSI)

• BS 6701, Telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling. Specification for installation,
operation and maintenance
• BS 7671, Requirements for Electrical Installations. IET Wiring Regulations

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC)

• EN 50173-1, Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 1: General requirements
• EN 50174-1, Information technology—Cabling installation—Installation specification and quality
assurance
• EN 50174-2, Information technology – Cabling installation – Installation planning and practices inside
buildings

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

• IEEE 802.3, Standard for Ethernet
• IEEE 802.11, IEEE Standard for Information technology--Telecommunications and information exchange
between systems Local and metropolitan area networks--Specific requirements - Part 11: Wireless LAN
Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

• IEC 60364, Electrical Installations of Buildings

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

• ISO/IEC 11801-1, Generic cabling for customer premises – Part 1: General requirements
• ISO/IEC 11801-6, Generic cabling for customer premises – Part 6: Distributed building services
• ISO/IEC 14763-2, Information technology – Implementation and operation of customer premises cabling –
Part 2: Planning and installation
• ISO/IEC 18598, Information technology – Automated infrastructure management (AIM) systems –
Requirements, data exchange and applications
• ISO/IEC 30129, Information Technology – Telecommunications bonding networks for buildings and other
structures

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National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

• NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®)

Telecommunication Industry Association (TIA)

• ANSI/TIA 526-7-A, Measurement of Optical Power Loss of Installed Single-Mode Fiber Cable Plant,
Adoption of IEC 61280-4-2 edition 2: Fibre-Optic Communications Subsystem Test Procedures – Part 4-2:
Installed Cable Plant – Single-Mode Attenuation and Optical Return Loss Measurement
• ANSI/TIA-526-14-C, Optical Power Loss Measurements of Installed Multimode Fiber Cable Plant; IEC
61280-4-1 Edition 2, Fibre-Optic Communications Subsystem Test Procedure – Part 4-1: Installed Cable
Plant – Multimode Attenuation Measurement
• ANSI/TIA-568.0-D, Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premises
• ANSI/TIA-568.1-D, Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard
• ANSI/TIA-568-C.2, Balanced Twisted-Pair Telecommunications Cabling and Components Standard
• ANSI/TIA-568.3-D, Optical Fiber Cabling and Components Standard
• ANSI/TIA-569-D, Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces
• ANSI/TIA-606-C, Administration Standard for Telecommunications Infrastructure
• ANSI/TIA-607-C, Generic Telecommunications Bonding and Grounding (Earthing) for Customer Premises
• ANSI/TIA-758-B, Customer-Owned Outside Plant Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard
• ANSI/TIA-862-B, Structured Cabling Infrastructure Standard For Intelligent Building Systems
• ANSI/TIA-1005-A, Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Industrial Premises
• ANSI/TIA-1152-A, Requirements for Field Test Instruments and Measurements for Balanced Twisted-Pair
Cabling
• ANSI/TIA-5048, Automated Infrastructure Management (AIM) Systems – Requirements, Data Exchange
and Applications

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4 Definitions, Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Units of Measurement

4.1 Definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply. Some terms and definitions may also be
represented by an acronym as listed in Section 4.2.

absorption A phenomenon causing attenuation of wave signals (e.g., electrical,

electromagnetic, optical, acoustic) when passing through a medium.
access point A hardware device or a computer wireless adapter with software that acts as a
wireless communication hub for users of wireless devices to connect with each
other and to bridge those devices to the cabled portion of the network.
address A unique identification code assigned to a network device that is used to
associate a message with its source and destination.
adjacent channel A condition that occurs when two or more access point radios are providing
interference radio frequency (RF) coverage to the same physical area using overlapping
frequencies. Simultaneous RF transmission by two or more access point radios in
such a configuration can cause system latency issues and throughput
degradation.
amplitude The maximum absolute value reached by a voltage or current waveform.
antenna A conductive structure specifically designed to couple or radiate electromagnetic
energy. In radio frequency systems, the antenna may be used to both transmit
and receive electromagnetic energy.
antenna gain (1) A term used to describe the capability of an antenna to direct signal energy in
a particular direction, thereby increasing the effective range of the antenna in the
given direction at the expense of range in other directions. (2) The ratio of the
power required at the input of a loss-free reference antenna (usually an isotropic
radiator or dipole) to the power supplied to the input of the given antenna to
produce, in a given direction, the same field strength at the same distance.
NOTE: Antenna gain is usually expressed in units of either decibel-isotropic (dBi)
or decibel-dipole (dBd).
attenuation The decrease in magnitude or the power loss of a signal that propagates between
points, expressed in decibels (dB) as the ratio of received signal to transmitted
signal level. See also insertion loss.
authority having The building official, electrical inspector, fire marshal, or other individuals or
jurisdiction entities responsible for interpretation and enforcement of local building and
electrical codes.
cell The fixed area in which a wireless base station or access point is configured to
operate.
coverage area The area or space served by a device.
coverage area cable A cable that is used to connect a building system (e.g., building automation,
electronic security) device to a service outlet or horizontal connection point.
dipole An antenna formed by splitting two wires of a two-wire transmission line, and
bending them back to form a single straight line. A dipole antenna is considered
a narrowband antenna, operating efficiently in only a narrow band of
frequencies. Typically, the antenna feed is in the middle where the split occurs.
directional antenna An antenna characterized by a broad coverage zone that preferentially sends or
receives signals in a specific direction. See also omnidirectional antenna.

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direct connection A connection method in which the horizontal cabling supporting a device may
directly attach or connect the device through a connectorized cable or hard-wired
termination, eliminating the need for an equipment cord and corresponding
telecommunications or service outlet.
dynamic rate shifting A method used by a wireless transmitter to automatically adjust the modulation
rate of a link on a frame-by-frame basis in order to quickly adjust to the current
radio environment.
effective isotropic radiated The power supplied to an antenna multiplied by the antenna gain in dBi in a
power given direction. Sometimes called equivalent isotropically radiated power.
effective radiated power The power supplied to an antenna multiplied by the antenna gain in dBd in a
given direction.
electromagnetic Radiated or conducted electromagnetic energy that has an undesirable effect on
interference electronic equipment or signal transmissions
equipment outlet A generic term for the outermost connection facility in a hierarchical star
topology. An equipment outlet is commonly classified as a telecommunication
outlet or a service outlet.
frequency The number of cycles or sine waves occurring in a given time. If the unit of time
is one second, the frequency is stated in hertz (Hz); one Hz is equal to one cycle
per second.
frequency band A range of frequencies for the operation of different radio communications
classes. The International Telecommunications Union recognizes 12 bands from
30 Hz to 3,000 GHz.
gain The increase in output current, voltage, or power relative to input current,
voltage, or power, respectively. Gain is usually expressed in dB.
horizontal connection point A connection point within horizontal cabling that is placed between the
telecommunication room (TR) and equipment outlets or devices supporting
intelligent building systems.
isotropic Radiating with uniformity in all directions from a single point.
NOTE: Some objects described as isotropic (e.g., isotropic antenna) are considered
an ideal rather than physically existing item.
omnidirectional antenna An antenna characterized by a broad coverage zone that radiates signals in all
horizontal directions equally. See also directional antenna.
path loss In a communications system, the attenuation undergone by an electromagnetic
wave in transit between a transmitter and a receiver. It may be caused by many
effects such as free-space loss, refraction, reflection, aperture-medium coupling
loss, and absorption.
permanent link The permanently installed portion of horizontal cabling, excluding cords (e.g.,
test, equipment, patch).
radio frequency An electromagnetic frequency between the audio frequencies and the infrared
band. This range of frequencies is approximately 10 kHz to 100 GHz and
overlaps with the microwave band, which is approximately 3 GHz to 300 GHz.
radio frequency A disturbance in the reception of radio and other electromagnetic signals because
interference of conflict with undesired signals.
repeater A device (e.g., station, transceiver) used to extend geographical range or
coverage ability of wireless systems, incorporating both receive and transmit
functions, which may or may not feature frequency translation.

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service outlet An outlet that is used to connect a device or equipment to the ICT infrastructure.
Service outlets are typically used by building systems and equipment that are not
subject to occasional or frequent disconnections and relocations. See also
telecommunications outlet.
site survey A process used to identify the characteristics of an environment. It is required for
the design of a wireless network.
telecommunications Any transmission, emission, and reception of information (e.g., signs, signals,
writings, images, sounds) by cable, radio, optical, or other electromagnetic
systems.
telecommunications The receptacle and insertion elements which provide a means of aligning,
connector attaching and achieving continuity between the conductors and optical fibers
used within telecommunication and information communication and technology
(ICT) applications.
telecommunications outlet An assembly which consists of a faceplate, body, housing, or supporting bracket,
and one or more receptacles or jacks of a telecommunication connector.
Telecommunications outlets are typically located to provide ease of connection
for communication and data equipment (e.g., computer, phone). See also service
outlet.
telecommunications room A telecommunications space that differs from equipment rooms and entrance
facilities in that this space is generally considered a floor-serving or tenant-
serving (as opposed to building- or campus-serving) space that provides a
connection point between backbone and horizontal cabling.
termination The physical connection of a conductor to connecting hardware.
topology The physical or logical arrangement of a system.
transceiver A radio transmitter and receiver combined into a single unit.
wavelength The length of a wave measured from any point on one wave to the corresponding
point on the next wave, such as from crest to crest. The wavelength of light is
usually measured in nanometers.
wireless local area network A non-public data network using radio frequency technology in which serial
transmission is used without store and forward techniques for direct data
communication among data stations located on the user’s premises.
work area A building space where the occupants interact with telecommunications terminal
equipment, such as an individual office, cubicle, or printer/copier room.
zone cabling A design methodology that utilizes a connection point centrally located within
areas with higher densities of telecommunications outlets and devices being
served.

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4.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations

Abbreviations and acronyms, other than in common usage, are defined below.

AC ACI adjacent channel interference IP OFDM orthogonal frequency

AHJ authority having jurisdiction division multiplexing
AP access point PHY physical layer
CCI co-channel interference PoE power over Ethernet
DRS dynamic rate shifting RF radio frequency
DSSS direct sequence spread spectrum RFI radio frequency interference
EMI electromagnetic interference RFP request for proposal
ER equipment room RRM radio resource management
ERP-OFDM extended rate physical orthogonal RSSI received signal strength indicator
frequency division multiplexing SISO single input, single output
FHSS frequency hopping spread spectrum SoW scope of work
GI guard interval SSID service set identifier
HCP horizontal connection point TR telecommunications room
HR-DSSS high-rate direct sequence spread Vo-Fi voice over Wi-Fi
spectrum WBAN wireless body area network
ICT information communication and Wi-Fi wireless fidelity wireless internet
technology
WLAN wireless local area network
MAC media access control
WPAN wireless personal area network
MIMO multiple input, multiple output

4.3 Units of Measurement

The units of measurement used in this standard are metric. Approximate conversions from metric to U.S. customary
units are provided in parentheses; e.g., 100 millimeters (4 inches).
Units of measurement used in this standard are defined below:

dB decibel in inch
dBd decibel-dipole kHz kilohertz
dBi decibel-isotropic m meter
dBm decibel-milliwatt Mbps megabits per second
ft foot MHz megahertz
Gbps gigabits per second mm millimeter
GHz gigahertz THz terahertz
Hz hertz

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5 Regulatory and Safety

5.1 Local Code Requirements

Local code requirements shall be followed. Always review the local code requirements with the local authority
having jurisdiction (AHJ) before proceeding with the installation. This includes reviewing what code and edition is
adopted, and what, if any, exceptions to the code are adopted by the governing authority. Most of the code
requirements for the job should be included in the scope of work documents. The installer should never take this
information for granted, since the telecommunications contractor is fully responsible for all work done on the project.
If no code has been adopted locally, consult with the local regulatory office to determine what agency is responsible
for that geographic area and what codes are in effect. Do not depend on other installers, contractors, or even site
owner personnel in making these determinations.
5.2 Spectrum Allocations
5.2.1 ITU Spectrum Allocation
RF is regulated globally by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The ITU divides the world into three
regions (see Figure 5-1). RF is typically allocated and coordinated in these regions to prevent interference. The
regulation of RF bands has been delegated by treaty to regions and national agencies throughout the world. The
agencies have issued regulations that generally comply with ITU rules.

Figure 5-1
International Telecommunication Union Regions

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5.2.2 National
There are currently five distinct frequency bands (i.e., 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5 GHz, 5.9 GHz) allowed for
WLAN applications, with each frequency band divided into channels. Countries then apply their own regulations
including allowed channels, allowed users/uses and maximum power levels within these frequency ranges.
Some countries may also require equipment to have minimum technical capability, such as dynamic frequency
selection (DFS) and transmit power control (TPC).
NOTE: Both DFS and TPC were introduced in IEEE 802.11h and have subsequently been integrated into IEEE 802.11)

5.3 Safety
Many countries have developed RF emission safety standards for wireless transmission. While low-power wireless
devices do not have discernable health risks, equipment and systems are required to be in compliance with a national
or region’s established RF emissions safety limit and similar regulations for consumer protection.
Countries may also have regulations defining the maximum equivalent isotropic radiated power (EiRP) of antennas.
These requirements typically affect the antenna, but are also apply to the entire system.
5.4 Requirements
Any WLAN equipment (e.g., transmitters, antenna) implemented shall be certified as compliant with applicable
regulations as set forth by the applicable national body.

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